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SOPHIE Rolf’s KissyPuppy and the Earl Mountbatten Hospice held a summer party last Saturday to bring Isle of Wight families together.

KissyPuppy and the hospice welcomed families affected by life-shortening conditions, who are supporting the 2020Vision Project to bring palliative care services for children, teenagers and young adults to the Island.

The party guests were met by Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Sophie’s special guest, a Disney princess, before enjoying entertainment, getting messy with painting and crafts, a pirate storyteller, a raffle and refreshments.

The families also had a chance to see inside the John Cheverton Centre and to meet the people behind the 2020Vision project, including Tina Harris, chief executive of the hospice, and Rachael Hayes, senior commissioner from Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

Tina Harris said: "The 2020Vision project is an ambitious vision to which we are fully committed and we believe it is vital such services should be available on the Island for any child or family who needs them."

Sophie Rolf, whose family recently learnt her inoperable tumour had doubled in size, joined in the fun.

Her mother, Gemma, said: "It was lovely to see children using the facilities and making the most of the activities and enjoying sausage and chips. The place was full of smiles."

She added: "Sophie’s case of shingles has taken its toll. She’s not too well and she keeps having mini seizures, which leave her exhausted.

"She had a fantastic sixth birthday party last Friday. She was up at 6.30am, like any other little girl, and had four princesses at the party, which is all she’s talked about since.

"All her friends and family were there, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day.

"For now, we have brought her home to be with us, to enjoy the rest of the summer and are just taking each day as it comes."